Portland, Ore. (KATU/CNN Newsource) — For weeks the family of Quanice Hayes has mourned the loss of the 17-year-old.
Tuesday a grand jury found the officer was justified in shooting Hayes.
Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler said, “This has been a tragedy for the whole community, it’s certainly a tragedy for quanice and his family.”
Activists like Gregory McKelvey, who’s been calling for more police accountability, say they’re not surprised the police officer won’t face a trial. “Our community would be so much better if people of all communities, all colors could trust police.”
Police were called to Northeast 82nd Avenue last month for an armed robbery and a car prowler.
Police say Hayes fit both descriptions.
An autopsy found Hayes was shot three times, twice in the chest, and once in the head.
A toxicology report says there were multiple drugs in the teen’s system.
Police say officers told Hayes to keep his hands raised, but police say he motioned towards his waistband.
The state crime lab found Hayes’ DNA on this replica handgun.
McKelvey said, “Where are the body cameras why do we not have body cameras yet why is there no footage been released.”
Mckelvey says these types of shootings create distrust between police and the communities they serve. “What does it take for us to get all the facts? What does it take for a police officer to have consequences for being so trigger happy with black kids? Every black kid had to be afraid of that night and this is the same reason why we’re afraid all the time when we have encounters with police.”
© 2024 KOBI-TV NBC5. All rights reserved unless otherwise stated.